IMF Chief Strauss-Kahn Resigns Amid Sexual Assault Charges

International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn resigned Wednesday, attributed to recent allegations that he sexually assaulted a New York City hotel worker this past weekend. Strauss-Kahn, who was seen by many as a candidate for the French presidency, is currently being held at Rikers Island. In a statement dated Wednesday and released early Thursday by the IMF, he denied guilt. “It is with infinite sadness that I feel compelled today to present to the Executive Board my resignation from my post of managing director of the I.M.F. I think at this time first of my wife — whom I love more than anything — of my children, of my family, of my friends.” "To all, I want to say that I deny with the greatest possible firmness all of the allegations that have been made against me." According to a New York Times report, "French media quickly announced Mr. Strauss-Kahn's resignation and underscored that he was leaving to focus on proving his innocence. Commentators said it was unusual for Mr. Strauss-Kahn to use personal language, including references to his wife, family and colleagues at the I.M.F." In his statement, Strauss-Kahn noted that "I want to protect this institution which I have served with honor and devotion, and especially—especially—I want to devote all my strength, all my time, and all my energy to proving my innocence. The Fund will communicate in the near future on the Executive Board's process of selecting a new Managing Director. Meanwhile, Mr. John Lipsky remains Acting Managing Director. Gerry Mullany of the New York Times comments that "Mr. Strauss-Kahn's extramarital affairs have long been considered an open secret. But the legal charges against him — which include attempted rape, forced oral sex and an effort to sequester another person against her will — are of an entirely different magnitude, even in France and elsewhere in continental Europe, where voters have generally shown more lenience than Americans toward the sexual behavior of prominent politicians, most notably the escapades of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy." In the short statement, Strauss-Kahn thanked the organization. "I think also of my colleagues at the Fund; together we have accomplished such great things over the last three years and more."